Gala

After a promising start, the first novel by noted operatic tenor Lewis becomes too mazy for credibility. The plot centers on Peter Camden, manager of the Metro politan Opera, who persuades his com mittee to engage the world's five great est tenors to sing at a benefit for the Met. The gala is in jeopardy immediately when the Russian and French divos ar rive in New York and somebody kills them; several more bloody murders fol low. Segueing to locales in Europe dur ing World War II, the story takes in numerous characters whose connections to each other and to the future crimes seem dubious. Further complications arise from Camden's affair with a member of the Met's board, a threat to his marriage. It's a strain to absorb all the diffuse elements before the denoue ment, where Camden solves the mys tery and averts a final tragedy during the gala's last performance. The colorful de tails about the music world and back stage traditions, which the author knows well, are the chief attractions here. (Feb ruary 23